Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is an undesirable outcome of changes in life style and behavior. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of obesity and its associated factors in population in Urban of Golestan province Iran to facilitate control of obesity related diseases. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 2500 males and 2500 females residents of 17 different cities were selected, using cluster random sampling techniques. Anthropometric measures (height, weight) were obtained with standard methods and the data on social, demographics exercise, smoking and blood group were collected during interviews, using a specifically designed questionnaire. In assessment of obesity, a standard recommended WHO method, based on BMI distribution was used. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 11.5, and the logistic regression model was used to estimate the age adjusted odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval, P-value <0.05 being considered significant. Results: Overall prevalences of obesity and overweight were 25.5% and 38.6% respectively (20.3%, 42.3% for men and 30.7% and 35% for women). Mean BMI in, female and male subjects was 27.05±5.05, 27.63±5.54, and 26.48±4.44 respectively. In addition, WHR of all subjects was (0.92±0.1), (females) (0.91±0.9), males(0.93%±0.11). The pattern of obesity differed significantly with age in both genders. The results of logistic regression model showed that the odds ratio of obesity was greater, roughly 1.7 times in women, compared with men. The adjusted odds ratio decreased with increasing the levels of education and non smoking (P<0.0001). The adjusted odds ratio showed no significant difference with occupation, race, blood group and or physical activity duration. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate an increased rate of obesity and overweight in an urban population, obesity in women being 10% higher than in men: Findings, showed that low levels of physical activity and education, gender, and smoking and aging were responsible for obesity.